Dell Inspiron 1000 - Refuses to boot w/ battery, keyboard issues

This is my first post, although I read Tom's Hardware for all of my computing-related needs when it comes to a desktop and components.

This particular issue has me stumped. I had been reading that sometimes the motherboards take a dump, but I think there would be other more serious issues...

Anyway here's what happens. First of all, if I attempt to boot with a battery installed, plugged in or not, I get an error message (on a black screen, no less) prior to Windows splashscreen that tells me that a system file is corrupted and windows cannot boot (it may very well say "your operating system", I don't recall because it's been so long since I've tried to boot with a battery in). If I remove the battery and boot with the A/C adapter, it boots just fine.

The other issue is that at times, the spacebar, B, N, comma and period keys stop working properly and actually take a bit of pressure to get to register. I haven't tried a different keyboard or anything, so I don't know if these are two unrelated problems or signs of a bigger, more sinister MoBo failure.

And lastly, I am under the impression that there were 2 or more different motherboards used in these models, and attempting to swap them is fruitless, futile and may result a paperweight.

Any suggestions?

I have to agree with dwellman. The Inspiron 1000 is just too old to be expected to work correctly. You might as well start looking for an upgrade.